[Federal Register: August 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 166)] [Notices] [Page 46913-46914] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr27au99-59] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [DA 99-1558] ELIMINATION OF EXISTING SERVICE REQUIREMENT AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document announces the elimination of the requirement that carriers making accounting rate filings serve every carrier that provides service on the international route. The Commission found that the International Bureau's new electronic filing system is an adequate substitute for this requirement. With this action, carriers will no longer have to serve other carriers with a copy of their filing with the Commission. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Choi or Jackie Ruff, Attorney- Advisors, Telecommunications Division, International Bureau, (202) 418- 1470. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The International Bureau announces on August 6, 1999 its implementation of the Commission's decision to eliminate the requirement that carriers making accounting rate filings with the Commission serve every carrier that provides service on the international route with a copy of the filing. We strongly encourage carriers in lieu of this requirement to file a copy of their accounting rate filing electronically over the International Bureau Electronic Filing System (IBFS) in order to assist with the Commission's processing of these filings. Interested parties and carriers making filings may access copies of accounting rate filings from the IBFS which can be found on the internet. The Commission eliminated the requirement in Sec. 64.1001(k) that carriers serve a copy of accounting rate filings to every carrier serving the international route in question in the 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review: Reform of the International Settlements Policy, IB Docket No. 98-148, CC Docket 90-337 (Phase II), IB Docket 95-22, Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, FCC 99-73 (rel. May 6, 1999), 64 FR 34734 (June 29, 1999). In that order, the Commission found that the International Bureau's new electronic filing system would be an adequate substitute for the existing service requirement and directed the International Bureau to implement the Commission's elimination of the requirement within three months of the release of the order. On February 10, 1999, the International Bureau unveiled the IBFS to the public. The IBFS is an internet-based system that allows its users to electronically file 15 different types of applications and run a host of reports and customized queries. Among the many filing options users have is an electronic form for filing accounting rate change requests. We strongly encourage parties to file accounting rate change requests using IBFS, but we note such electronic filing is not mandatory at this time. Entities interested in filing electronically should contact the IBFS Information Line at (202) 418-2222 or visit the IBFS Homepage at http://ibfsweb.fcc.gov/webreports. To facilitate the electronic submission of such accounting rate filings and [[Page 46914]] retrieval of information, the International Bureau will hold IBFS training courses for interested parties and carriers making accounting rate change requests. Course dates and times will be announced in a later notice. For additional information about this implementation, please contact Lisa Choi or Jackie Ruff, Telecommunications Division, International Bureau, (202) 418-1460. For additional information about the IBFS, please contact Jacqueline Ponti, International Bureau, (202) 418-1460. Federal Communications Commission. Magalie Roman Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. 99-22305 Filed 8-26-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P